The role of neem in integrated pest management: A sustainable approach for mulberry ecosystem protection

Abstract

Neem plays a pivotal role in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) due to its eco-friendly, sustainable, and versatile properties. IPM is a holistic approach that combines multiple pest control strategies to reduce pest populations while minimizing harm to the environment, humans, and non-target organisms. Neem is renowned for its unique properties-repellent, antifeedant, and insect growth regulator (IGR)-that make it an effective and sustainable tool in pest management. These properties allow neem to target pests at multiple stages of their life cycle while minimizing harm to non-target organisms and the environment. Neem’s impact on pest control, silkworm health, and ecological balance is profound and multifaceted. It offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides by providing effective pest control while being safe for silkworms and beneficial insects. Neem also promotes ecological balance by protecting biodiversity, reducing chemical contamination, and supporting soil and water health. Its role in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) ensures a more environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable approach to sericulture, benefiting both farmers and the ecosystem.